Cannabis users who start by smoking skunk up to five times as likely to become dependent, study suggests

The Independent   December 18, 2018 3:23 AM

Cannabis users whose first experience with the drug is with potent “skunk” strains are nearly five times more likely to go on to show signs of dependence, US researchers have said.

Researchers found higher concentration of THC, the molecule which causes its psychoactive “high”, increased the likelihood that users would develop cravings or risky drug use that disrupts their day-to-day life.

Despite medical or recreational cannabis use being legalised in a growing number of states and countries there is little regulation on potency – even though this is routine for drugs like alcohol which also cause impairment and dependence.

“THC has linearly increased over two decades,” said Dr Brook Arterberry, an assistant professor of psychology at Iowa State University who led this research.

“Based on the results, states may want to think about the available potency levels of cannabis products, especially with the changing legal landscape of cannabis.”

Increases in THC content have been made possible because of modern growing techniques and in America average levels have risen from 3.5 per cent THC in 1994 to 12.3 per cent in 2012.

In the UK high-potency skunk has pushed out virtually all other types, and experts warn that mental health disorders like psychosis are more common in people who use these stronger strains.

For the study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Dr Arterberry and colleagues used data from a long-running health survey of young people age 11 to 26 who have family history of substance abuse.

In annual follow-ups, users who reported that they had started smoking skunk — with an average THC content of 12.3 per cent — were 4.8 times more likely to have one or more symptoms of cannabis use disorder when compared to those smoking a 4.9 per cent strain.

Cannabis is not typically thought of as addictive in the same way as heroin, cocaine, or even alcohol, where withdrawal can have serious physical health effects. However, it can cause irritability, sleep disruption and other effects that make heavy users dependent.

“This is the first step toward understanding the influence of potency,” Dr Arteberry said. “While more research is needed, the risk associated with higher potency highlights the need for early intervention and targeted prevention efforts.”

For more http://va.newsrepublic.net/a/6635998466587755014?user_id=6551522476692897801&language=en&region=au&app_id=1239&impr_id=6636071778584103174&gid=6635998466587755014&c=sys

Not only the US, but the entire planet owes SAM a great debt of gratitude – THANK YOU SAM!!!

Public Health\’s Biggest Victories Over Big Pot in 2018

Public health and safety advocates, including Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) and its state affiliates, are celebrating a year of victories against the growing marijuana industry as multiple marijuana legalization bills failed from coast-to-coast.

(1) NORTH DAKOTA GAVE THE INDUSTRY THE BOOT – RESOUNDINGLY

Healthy and Productive North Dakota, SAM Action\’s affiliate in the Peace Garden State, and other supporters, worked hard and defeated Measure 3 by the second-highest margin in the recent history of such ballot measures. This proposition would have created one of the worst recreational marijuana laws in the country.

The truly grassroots, volunteer coalition there stopped Big Marijuana from taking root.

(2) GARDEN STATE POT WOES: \”FIRST 100 DAYS\”? I DON\’T THINK SO…

After promising to legalize pot within 100 days of taking office in 2017, New Jersey will enter 2019 with no recreational marijuana market, thanks to the hard work of parents and advocates across the state. SAM Action, New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP), and partners have successfully worked to slow down the effort. Murphy and company simply do not have the votes to legalize pot in the Garden State.

(3) ILLINOIS PRO-POT POLITICIANS DIDN\’T STAND A CHANCE

In Illinois, Healthy and Productive Illinois (HPIL) worked diligently in conjunction with local leaders, including students from Adlai Stephenson High School, to defeat a bill that would have put the question of marijuana commercialization on the ballot.

In April, HPIL, SAM, and Stephenson High School Students held a press conference highlighting a cost report that found marijuana legalization would cost the state of Illinois upwards of $670 million, far outweighing prospective tax revenues. After this, pro-pot politicians lost traction on their plan and the session ended with no legalization.

(4) VERMONT SAID \”NOT SO FAST\”

In Vermont, several legislators attempted a \”Hail Mary\” by trying to quickly move a bill to legalize retail sales late in the session. SAM Vermont stepped in and brought about a victory for public health as the bill was overwhelmingly voted down in the House of Representatives.

(5) POT GOES DOWN THE DRAIN IN DELAWARE

In June, the Delaware House of Representatives shot down a bill seeking to legalize marijuana in the First State. By a vote of 21-15, state lawmakers deflated the hopes of Big Marijuana at expanding into the state and stood strong in support of public health and safety.

Governor John Carney repeatedly stated that he was opposed to legalization and a large coalition of police groups, doctors, hospitals, and several of the state\’s largest employers led by Keep Delaware Healthy and Safe, a SAM Affiliate, and AAA-Mid-Atlantic, rose to the occasion to defeat this reckless proposal.

(6) GRANITE STATE STANDS STRONG

In New Hampshire, the House voted to send a bill – which would have allowed possession of three quarters of an ounce and three plants – back to a study committee, which killed the bill for the remainder of the year. New Futures, a SAM partner, worked diligently within the state to urge legislators to heed the lessons of other states that made the mistake of legalizing marijuana.

(7) BIG POT\’S BIG POCKETS COULDN\’T AFFORD CONNECTICUT

Earlier in April, pro-pot advocates were ready to declare victory in Connecticut as a bill to legalize marijuana was passed out of committee. Fortunately, state lawmakers sided with science and health officials over the pot industry and refused to bring the bill to a vote in either chamber before the session expired. Earlier in the year, the Connecticut chapter of SAM (CT-SAM) released a comprehensive cost study finding that marijuana legalization would cost the state $216 million, well exceeding the projected revenue of $113 million.

(8) RHODE ISLAND AFFILIATE ANNUALLY SMACKS DOWN POT EXPANSION

In Rhode Island, our partners have been extremely successful in fighting back Big Marijuana\’s attempts to expand into the state. Their tireless efforts have resulted in legalization bills being defeated in the legislature every year for the last seven years.

Additionally, they have defeated numerous attempts to expand the number of marijuana dispensaries and have succeeded in establishing local control over pot-related zoning ordinances in towns and cities. When the state was rushing to legalize pot, our partners were able to orchestrate the creation of a bi-partisan group to study the potential impacts of legalization on the state.

\”While the pot industry wants folks to believe that commercialization and legalization is inevitable, the results we have seen in these states challenge that assertion,\” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, founder and president of SAM. \”The wins in these states call for celebration, but we know Big Marijuana won\’t give up easily – they have too much money on the line. We won\’t ever give up either – we have the future of our country on the line.\”

AND FOR GOOD MEASURE…

We\’re not giving up on states like Michigan, where pro-pot interests panicked and poured millions of dollars in at the last minute. In fact, thanks to our inner-city outreach, we outperformed in Detroit and SAM Action\’s partner, Healthy and Productive Michigan (HPMI), remains the state voice standing up against the industry. HPMI is now organizing local community \”opt-outs\” to reject pot shops.

Speaking of opt-outs, Massachusetts should also be mentioned: More than two years after voting in favor of pot, only a small handful of communities have shops up and running. A major opt-out effort has been successful throughout the state, with communities such as Concord, Burlington, Foxboro, and all of Cape Cod opting out of marijuana establishments.

Our efforts in California in helping local communities push back against the industry continue, also. Parents and educators across the state weighed in and kept marijuana out of school nurse office when the marijuana industry wanted it. The League of California Cities is leading efforts to maintain control as Big Pot tries to roll back regulations that prevent billboards and marijuana delivery services. Additionally, 85% of cities and towns in the state have opted out of commercialization.

This last year was one public health advocates can look back on with pride.

Advocates across the country all came together to push back on Big Marijuana\’s attempts to further their addiction-for-profit scheme and together, we notched resounding victories. That said, we cannot rest on our laurels just yet. The industry will be back next year and will be looking for revenge. Let\’s keep working together to keep our nation healthy.

OREGON MOTHER LAMENTS THE HARMS BROUGHT ON BY LEGALIZING POT

The availability of substances became rampant in the wake of legalization, and yes it was affecting our oldest son Trevor, now 16.

The Slippery Slope

Trevor moved beyond marijuana and got involved in so much more:

• Dealing/trading other drugs, pills and alcohol
• Stealing from friends and family
• Driving without a license or even a permit
• Skipping school, lying and promiscuity

The effects of drugs on the teen brain are horrific.   Many adults don’t even know, and many kids have no idea what they are doing to their brains when they’re doing pot. One must live through it in their own home, with their own child, to understand the dynamic and heartache this behavior brings.  In our situation, the county juvenile services became imperative.  We were forced to turn our own son over to authorities.   Without the police and the county services, Trevor would not have progressed so far in the right direction.

For Complete story go to DON’T-Legalize-DRUGS

Potential Big Tobacco Acquisition Causes Cannabis Company\’s Stock to Soar

Stagnant cigarette sales have forced Altria Group Inc.\’s Philip Morris USA to consider acquiring cannabis companies. 2003 file photo: Nell Redmond/Bloomberg NewsBLOOMBERG NEWS

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)\’s legalization opponent Kevin Sabetmay be right: like it or not Big Tobacco is invading cannabis. Altria, the company that invited unwitting consumers for decades to come to where the cancer is —Marlboro Country— may be looking to shore up stagnant cigarette sales by purchasing Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group.

Cronos Group\’s stock surged by 25% yesterday after Reuters reported the company might be an acquisition target for Altria.

Cronos confirmed in a statement that it was discussing a potential investment by Altria, but Cronos said an agreement has not yet been reached between both companies, nor does Cronos admit to agreeing to be acquired. However, acquisition talks between the two companies are expected

For complete article go to Who Will Pay the Price for WEED?

Don\’t worry, just munch, blaze and bong on!!!!

Pot laced chocolate chip cookies — and other products…..
https://www.globalcannabisdispensary.net/shop/buy-weed-edibles-online/buy-cannabis-chocolate-chip-cookies-online/

State and National Contexts in Evaluating Cannabis Laws – A Case Study in Washington State

Cannabis Use Among Patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Washington State

VARIATION IN CANNABIS POTENCY & PRICES IN A NEWLYLEGAL MARKET – Evidence from 30 million cannabis sales in Washington State

Doctors tell parents cannabis will NOT cure their children of epilepsy as demand for drug continues to soar

• Doctors say they are seeing massive upsurge in demand for cannabis medicine
• Medics put it down to high profile Alfie Dingley and Billy Caldwell cases
• Law was changed earlier this year to legalise medicinal use of the substance

By BY JONATHAN BUCKS FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY PUBLISHED: 23.12.18

Paediatricians are seeing a \’massive upsurge\’ in the number of parents demanding that psychoactive cannabis medicine be prescribed for their epileptic children.

Hundreds of parents are reported to have contacted doctors after the high-profile cases of epilepsy sufferers Alfie Dingley, six, and Billy Caldwell, 12, prompted Ministers to change the law on giving children the drug for medical reasons.

Both youngsters were treated with cannabis containing the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD), as well as small amounts of the psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is responsible for the \’high\’ experienced by recreational users of cannabis but can also trigger psychosis. Dr Symonds said some patients now mistakenly believed cannabis is a cure-all

In the UK, there are 20,000 children who suffer epilepsy that doesn\’t respond to conventional treatments. But leading paediatricians say they are horrified that many parents now see cannabis as a panacea for their child\’s fits.

Dr Joseph Symonds, a paediatrician at Glasgow\’s Royal Hospital for Children and research fellow in paediatric epilepsy genetics at the University of Glasgow, said: \’We have seen a massive upsurge in the number of parents asking for cannabis, and specifically cannabis with THC, because of the media interest around the children who have responded well to it.

\’But the fact remains that while CBD products have medical benefits, there is just not enough evidence to say that THC cannabis will help a child\’s epilepsy.\’

For complete story https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6524023/Doctors-tell-parents-cannabis-NOT-cure-children-epilepsy.html

New and perhaps BETTER OPTION for Epilepsy Sufferers?

Stiripentol Decreases Seizure Frequency in Dravet Syndrome (non-cannabis based medication with better results than the new cannabis derived ‘medications’)

https://www.practiceupdate.com/journalscan/52999/1/7?elsca1=emc_enews_expert-insight&elsca2=email&elsca3=practiceupdate_neuro&elsca4=neurology&elsca5=newsletter&rid=MzM1MDQ1Nzg2NDU3S0&lid=10332481

Is a Tobacco Giant Trying to Take Over the Vape Pen Market?

CHRIS ROBERTS December 11, 2018

Altria, the parent company of tobacco giant Philip Morris whose $1.8 billion investment in a cannabis company was announced Friday, has over the past five years quietly patented dozens of devices that could be used to consume marijuana, a review of public documents at the US Patent and Trademark Office shows.

Altria’s patents and patent applications carry one of several generic descriptions, including “electronic cigarette,” “electronic smoking article,” “e-vaping” device, and “electronic vaping device.”

“They see a downturn in the tobacco industry, and they see this humongous upside in the cannabis industry.”

Michael Cohen, intellectual property lawyer

Many of them bear striking similarities to vape pens and other devices used to consume cannabis that are already on the market, according to patent attorneys and an independent product manufacturer who reviewed the patent filings at the request of Leafly News.

Exactly what Altria plans to do with its new intellectual property is uncertain. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. But intellectual property experts noted that the number and breadth of the patents involved mean Altria could conceivably seek to charge competitors licensing fees or knock them out of the market entirely.

“What’s clear is that they’re making a play at the vaporizer market,” said Larry Sandell, a Washington, DC—based patent attorney. “This will be a good way to achieve dominance in that market.”

As early as the late 1960s and early 1970s, Philip Morris executives have eyed marijuana as a potential growth opportunity. In a confidential 1969 letter to Philip Morris’s research laboratories, Alfred Berger, a professor overseeing the Phillip Morris Fellowship in Chemistry at the University of Virginia, wrote: “The company that will bring out the first marihuana smoking devices, be a cigarette or some other form, will capture the market and be in a better position than its competitors to satisfy the legal public demand for such products.”

For complete article https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/is-tobacco-giant-altria-philip-morris-taking-over-marijuana-vape-pens

JOURNEY OF A BUDTENDER: A LITTLE DAB WILL DO YOU

So close was I to falling off the cliff of sanity.  I was teetering on the precipice of a psychotic break or suicide until that fateful day in the dispensary, when I watched a co-worker.  I saw the look of sheer worry and concern in her eyes when interacting with patients describing adverse effects from products. At long last it woke me up that something was really wrong.   A little dab will never satisfy you, as you want and crave more.  When you dab, you’re incapable of perceiving its great harm upon your body, mind and spirit.

(To read how the story continues, see Part 4  and Part 5).

(We have two other testimonies specifically about dabbing, My  16-year-old son died from marijuana  and  Dabbing is addictive.)